United States to Negotiate Broad Textile Agreement with China August 16-17

08/11/2005

Washington, D.C. – USTR Special Textile Negotiator, David Spooner, will lead a United States Government interagency team to San Francisco August 16-17 to negotiate a broad textile agreement with the Chinese government. The interagency team will include the Departments of Commerce, State, Labor and Treasury.

"In our numerous consultations with our domestic textile and apparel industries and Members of Congress, we heard unambiguous calls for a more comprehensive approach to textile trade with China," said David Spooner. "As a result, we will commence negotiations on a broad agreement with the Chinese.

"The Administration will utilize its WTO rights to level the playing field for American workers. In fact, we’ve already utilized the WTO textile safeguard to protect our textile manufacturers from market disruption. Our aim, next week, is to seek a long-term solution.

"We will, of course, continue to consult with domestic industries and Congress as we move forward in this process."

Background:

The U.S.-China meetings in San Francisco were previously scheduled official consultations on the textile safeguards the United States imposed on May 23 and May 27. Under the terms of China’s accession to the World Trade Organization, these consultations are to begin 30 days after imposition of a safeguard, and are to conclude within a total of 90 days after a consultation request has been made.

In recent days, the Administration has consulted with domestic stakeholders and congressional leaders, including Rep. Robin Hayes, who recently asked the Administration to pursue a textile agreement with China. Further information regarding the status of China textile safeguard petitions can be found in the August 1, 2005 Department of Commerce documents below: